WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

GIS INTERACTIVE ORMA MAP

An ORMA is a designated nearshore area that extends 3,000 feet seaward from the coastline and may contain zones for specific ocean uses, including:

  • Swimming
  • Thrill Craft operation
  • Water skiing or sledding
  • Canoe/kayak ingress and egress
  • Snorkeling, scuba, and sightseeing tours
  • Parasailing
  • High-speed boating

ORMAs help reduce user conflicts, increase safety, and manage access. It is important for vessel operators to understand permitted and restricted activities within ORMAs.

LINK TO ORMA MAP

A little bit of knowledge can go a long way. Here are some ways to educate yourself before you go out on the water.

  • Subscribe to the U.S. Coast Guard Local Notices to Mariners, and update nautical charts and related information weekly. Safe navigation is not an accident.
  • Monitor weather conditions. Use a NOAA weather radio, an inexpensive receiver that can provide instant access to weather forecasts and emergency weather information.
  • Recreational boaters should take courses in chart use, seamanship and navigation. Contact the United State Power Squadrons and the United States Coast guard Auxiliary to enroll.
  • Participate in the volunteer cooperative Charting program through the U.S. Power Squadrons.
  • Smaller boats should avoid using deep-draft channels which are the only places large ships can travel. Small recreational boats in front of a ship’s bow are often not visible from the ship’s bridge. Be aware and considerate of large commercial vessels.

Visit the District 14 Notices to Mariners web page (includes Main Hawaiian Islands)

NOAA

URL ON THE WEB
 Charts  https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

Educational information about tides, tide predictions, water levels and currents:

https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov

Weather Radio

https://weather.gov/nwr

National Data Buoy Center

https://ndbc.noaa.gov

Ocean Prediction Center

https://ocean.weather.gov

U.S. COAST GUARD

URL ON THE WEB

USCG 14th District (including Hawaii)

https://uscg.mil/d14

Office of Boating Safety

https://USCGBoating.org

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

https://cgaux.org

United States Power Squadrons

https://usps.org

 

This page was last updated on 09.12.25.